Takayuki Yamada's Open Audition Cuts 14,000 Applicants to 200 in Second Round
The audition's 1.5% pass rate and international applicant pool signal a wide-net casting approach for an original film, with the full process to be documented as streaming content.
Key Facts
- The second round of the open audition 'THE OPEN CALL' cut roughly 14,000 applicants to about 200, a pass rate of approximately 1.5%.
- Actor Takayuki Yamada served as main partner and judge for the audition, describing the process as 'four days, 40 hours of concentration.'
- The original film is scheduled for theatrical release in 2027, and the entire audition process will stream exclusively on Lemino this fall.
- London-based casting director Olivia Brittain observed the second round and called it 'a wonderful project.'
Reporting from 1 source: Cinema Today.
The second round of the open audition "THE OPEN CALL," led by actor Takayuki Yamada as main partner and judge, has concluded. About 200 of roughly 14,000 total applicants passed the first round, a pass rate of approximately 1.5%. The audition seeks main cast members for an original film scheduled for theatrical release in 2027. The entire process will stream exclusively on Lemino this fall.
Takayuki Yamada, serving as main partner and judge for the open audition "THE OPEN CALL," has wrapped the second round with about 200 candidates remaining from an initial pool of roughly 14,000 applicants. The pass rate for the first round was approximately 1.5%. Yamada described the judging as "four days, 40 hours of concentration" and said he was "really tired," but added that "a fierce drama begins here." The audition is open to anyone aged 15 or older regardless of gender, nationality, or experience. Applications came from across Japan and from 11 overseas countries including China, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The second round involved face-to-face scripted performances evaluated on acting ability, humanity, realism, script comprehension, and responsiveness to direction. London-based casting director Olivia Brittain, who observed the second round, called it "a wonderful project." The original film is set for a 2027 theatrical release, and the entire audition process will stream exclusively on Lemino this fall.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.